How Much Is Commercial Security Camera Installation?

What is a Commercial Security Camera System?

Commercial surveillance systems use multiple security cameras and related devices to monitor and record activities in business and institutional settings.

Commercial camera systems differ from DIY and home systems because they're built to withstand continuous use and are hardwired for reliable and secure data transmission.

What's more, most business surveillance systems feature advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to support security oversight in challenging, dynamic environments.

Today's best commercial security camera systems use artificial intelligence to proactively recognize security gaps, enable rapid evidence searches through recorded footage, and even provide original insights to improve sales and operational efficiency.

Reasons to Install a Commercial Security Camera System

Commercial security camera systems are the first line of defense for your assets, employees, and customers or guests.

Live footage from commercial cameras is used to identify security breaches and suspicious activities in real-time, while recorded footage is used for investigations. Beyond these technical functions, the mere presence of visible cameras deters criminal activity.

Average Cost of Commercial Security Camera Installation

The cost of a commercial security camera installation is influenced by factors like the size of the building or area being monitored, the number and types of security cameras used, video storage requirements, and installation labor.

Breakdown of Average Cost for Security Camera Components

Depending on the quality and make, each camera in a commercial installation can cost between $700 to $1,500—including the expense of professional installation. Higher-end cameras featuring the most advanced artificial intelligence generally cost closer to the $1,500 mark.

Possible monthly expenses should also be considered when breaking down the cost of a commercial security system. They can include fees for services like 24/7 remote monitoring and video storage on the cloud.

NVRs (Network Video Recorders) are an alternative to cloud storage. Most NVRs in the $400 price range can store high-resolution footage from up to 8 cameras simultaneously.

True Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Installation

While DIY camera systems tend to be more affordable than commercial-grade systems, they're significantly less durable and lack the features that make surveillance manageable in busy environments.

DIY camera installations typically involve purchasing cameras and other necessary equipment and then installing and configuring the system yourself. With DIY systems, it's necessary to invest time to research and select equipment, learn how to properly install selected system components, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during or after the installation.

Be aware that DIY camera systems rarely include adequate warranties or technical support. If something goes wrong with a DIY, you will be on your own.

Benefits of Professional Security Camera Installation

Professional security installation services have more upfront costs than DIY systems because they involve higher-quality equipment and skilled installation labor. However, a reliable and effective surveillance system is worth the added expense.

Professional installers can help you design a security camera system that meets your needs. What's more, by hiring local professionals to install commercial-quality security cameras, you can receive ongoing technical support and maintenance from the very same experts who designed your system.

Disadvantages of DIY Security Camera Installation

Unless you have experience installing security cameras, you may not know the types of cameras to use, how to place them, and how to optimize your system for maximum effectiveness. This can lead to blind spots, inefficient coverage, and costly system malfunctions.

The smallest mistakes in wiring and system configuration can result in cameras that don't function correctly or at all.

DIY and home camera system components are prone to connectivity issues and software glitches even when properly installed. These issues can be difficult to troubleshoot without expertise, resulting in unacceptable system downtimes.

Factors to Consider for Commercial Security Camera Installation Costs

Size and Complexity of Area Being Monitored

Large areas require more cameras, video storage space, and cabling to ensure complete coverage. The complexity of your site's layout—such as the number of vulnerable or secluded areas—also impacts the final number of cameras that must be installed.

The good news is that a professional installation team can make sure your site has adequate coverage without overspending on unnecessary cameras and other equipment.

Type and Quality of Security Cameras Used

High-quality cameras with advanced features and higher resolutions tend to cost more than basic cameras. That said, the higher upfront costs ultimately save money for businesses and institutions by collecting footage with useful details that can be used to investigate incidents and identify suspects.

Businesses with high-risk areas, such as cash registers or high-value inventory storage, often require higher-quality cameras to capture high-resolution footage.

Camera systems with advanced features to enable effective surveillance in high-traffic areas are also more expensive in the short run, but they save money by reducing the need for on-site security staff.

Professional Labor and Installation Costs

While professional installations usually come with higher upfront costs, they offer several benefits over DIY and home installations. Professional installers usually have the knowledge to help businesses determine the best placement for their cameras and ensure that cameras are properly connected and optimized.

Additionally, professional installers can provide ongoing support and maintenance services to address technical issues as soon as they arise.

Storage Needs

The quality of recorded footage also affects storage costs. Cameras with higher resolutions collect more data and therefore require more storage, which can increase monthly fees for cloud storage plans or take up more storage space in NVRs (Network Video Recorders).

Types of Security Cameras for Businesses

High-Resolution IP Cameras

High-resolution and high-definition IP (Internet Protocol) security cameras are more expensive than their analog counterparts, but the clear and detailed evidence they produce is well worth the added expense.

The standard analog cameras of the past produce terrible, grainy footage that is rarely useful for suspect identification, let alone incident investigations and prosecutions.

Outdoor and Indoor Cameras

Commercial-grade security systems usually feature both indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras.

Indoor cameras monitor spaces like lobbies, hallways, and storage areas.

On the other hand, outdoor cameras are designed to resist inclement weather and feature IP (Ingress Protection) ratings that denote their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Outdoor cameras are suited to monitor building exteriors, parking lots, and other outdoor spaces.

Dome cameras are the most discreet type of camera. They don't resemble the cameras people typically imagine, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with most indoor environments. They're ideal for upscale businesses and settings like restaurants where customers should forget that they're under surveillance.

Bullet cameras actually look like cameras, which makes them far less discreet than dome cameras but allows them to provide maximum deterrence. Outdoor bullet cameras are excellent tools for monitoring parking lots, building exteriors, and other outdoor spaces. They can provide long-range views and be mounted on walls or poles.

PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras are useful for monitoring large indoor areas and, when weatherproof, outdoor areas as well. These cameras allow users to pan, tilt, and zoom using a remote controller. PTZs are more expensive than most other types of cameras, but their capacity to zoom in on and track suspicious characters makes them a favorite of security personnel.

Hardwired Surveillance Cameras

Hardwiring is especially important in commercial and institutional settings where surveillance is critical. Hardwired systems use physical cables to ensure stable and consistent data transmission.

Wireless systems are vulnerable to interference and signal disruptions.

The Costs and Benefits of Commercial Security Camera Systems

While commercial security camera systems have greater upfront costs than home and DIY systems, their reliability and support features for effective large-scale monitoring make them the best option for most business and institutional settings.

Mammoth Security and Your Commercial Camera System

A mix of low and high-value cameras can provide the most significant ROI. That's why the professional installation team at Mammoth Security has expertise in the art of mixing and matching cameras of different makes and models. For a free on-site survey and consultation, fill out the simple form below.